Question

Why did Shivaji build and maintain hundreds of forts within the Swaraj territory?

Answer 1

Instructions :

1. It should have 5-8 points.
2. Mention the surveillance aspect of forts.
3. Mention the uses of a fort in times of conflict.
4. Explain the importance of sea forts.

Solution :

Shivaji Maharaj spent a substantial amount of time and money on the building and repair of the 300 forts that were under the Swaraj.

Each of these forts had a Killedar, a sabnis and a Karkhanis. The Karkhanis was responsible for storing groceries and maintaining the weapons in the fort.

Shivaji Maharaj laid great importance on forts as these structures because:

• Shivaji wanted to make sure that the Swaraj territory had sufficient defensive installations in the form of forts.
• Forts were great for watching over the large area around them.
• In the event of an attack from an invader, the fort could protect the people in it.
• The fort could also be stocked up with groceries and weapons to launch a counterattack against the enemy.
• Shivaji Maharaj also built some sea forts which helped the Swaraj keep an eye on their shores.
• The forts of Sindhudurga at Malwan and Padmadurga at Rajapuri were important sea forts.